This calculator, developed by two New England libraries (Maine State Library and Chelmsford, MA) estimates the value of your public library materials and services. Enter in the lefthand column the number of times you or your family use each service listed down the center. Use tab key to jump from item to item. The estimated retail value of each service will be calculated on the right, and the total value of your library use is shown at the bottom of the worksheet. Thanks for trying it out!

About the prices: books, movies, magazines, interlibrary loan and databases are rough averages, to even out the highs and lows, hardcover vs. paperback books, scholarly vs popular magazines, etc. Computer time, children's programs and meeting rooms are based on actual, local costs. (Example, February, FedEx-Kinkos = $21/hr computer use; children's live performances cost $400-600; local adult school computer classes, $15/hr, etc.)National average prices of library materials are found in the Library and Book Trade Almanac, published by Information Today, Inc., Medford, NJ